Marko Cepenkov
"Truth and Falsehood"
Once upon a time, Truth was left without
work. She didn't have enough money to even buy some bread
to eat. She wandered here and there hoping to find something
to eat, but was unsuccessful. The poor thing cried out. Falsehood
heard her and stepped out in front of her. "What's the matter,
my dear", asked Falsehood.
"I've been surviving with a little water ", replied Truth.
"Heavens, there's no need to despair any longer! Come along
with me", offered Falsehood.
"Thank you, my dear sister, I'll never forget you for it",
swore Truth gratefully.
Poor Truth set out after Falsehood in quest
of nourishment to restore her flagging spirits. On and
on they went and Falsehood stepped into an inn, followed
by Truth. Falsehood called to the owner and ordered him
to bring all kinds of dishes and the best quality bread.
The meal was brought and the Falsehood invited Truth to
eat and drink to her heart's desire; and Falsehood would
pay the bill.
After the dinner, Falsehood called the proprietor for the
account. He calculated the bill to exactly twenty grosh. "Yes,
that's fine", answered Falsehood. "Now let me see. You want
twenty from me; but I gave you sixty for payment in advance
when we first arrived".
"Aren't you ashamed of yourself for telling such lies",
exclaimed the proprietor.
When Truth saw and heard what was happening, she scurried
off and hid behind the door. She felt dreadfully embarrassed
because of the lies her friend Falsehood was concocting.
Falsehood and the innkeeper were right into the thick of
the quarrel. Heaven help us! Falsehood was screaming in whatever
ugly language came into her mouth, as if the man had murdered
her father. All those passing by stopped to see what the
argument was about. Everyone that heard judged Falsehood
to be right, probably because she yelled the loudest!
Like it or not, and in order not to create further trouble,
the innkeeper gave up. As he did, he cried out, imploringly, "Ah,
Truth, Truth, where are you?"
"Here I am brother, behind the door", croaked Truth. "But
what can I say?" |
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